So, in line with the guidelines, Brenda has not been prescribed heparin and has not had stockings applied. As a member of staff on the stroke unit there are a number of other aspects of care you could give Brenda to reduce her risk of DVT.
Q. Which of the following should you consider? Select true or false for each option listed below.
(See the Research topic loop below for further information.)
Topic Loop:
Q. Which of the following should you consider? Select true or false for each option listed below.
1. Ensure that Brenda is adequately hydrated? – True – although not based on reliable evidence there are studies which suggest that if patients are dehydrated their risk of DVT is increased.
2. Confine Brenda to bed until her weakness has resolved – False – immobility is an important risk factor for developing DVT and therefore it makes clinical sense to mobilise the patient early. However there are risks associated with this i.e. falls.
3. Mobilise Brenda as early as possible? – True -immobility is an important risk factor for developing DVT and therefore it makes clinical sense to mobilise the patient early. However there are there risks associated with this i.e. falls.
4. Give laxatives to ensure Brenda is not constipated – False – there is no evidence or plausible reason that relief of constipation reduces the risk of DVT.
5. Consider if Brenda is eligible for Intermittent Pneumatic Compression(IPC)- True – Brenda should be treated with IPC as she is not able to walk to the toilet unaided. See Additional Information Box for further information on IPC.
Page last reviewed: 16 Sep 2020
